NCA investigation leads to Border Force seizing £1m at Heathrow
As a result of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation, a man has been charged with money laundering after the seizure of £1 million in suitcases by the UK's Border Force at Heathrow Airport.
Image courtesy NCA
Mazen Al Shaar, 48, was stopped by Border Force officers on Saturday and the money was seized.
Al Shaar, from Hayes, Middlesex, was due to fly to Beirut. He appeared at appeared at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Monday. A bail application was refused and he was remanded in custody to appear at Isleworth Crown Court on the 17th April for a pre-trial plea hearing.
Andy Noyes, NCA branch commander, said: “So many of the serious and organised crime threats facing the UK are driven by offenders’ desire for money.
“This detection of £1 million was because of brilliant work by Border Force officers which has now sparked our investigation.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: "This seizure highlights Border Force’s dedicated efforts to protect our borders and keep the public safe. Our officers are trained to spot suspicious behaviour and identify attempts to move illicit cash and other prohibited items across our borders.
"We continue to work closely with law enforcement partners, including the NCA to disrupt criminal networks."
Sign up for our newsletter and get our latest content in your inbox.
Similar Reads
1
2
3
Sign up for our newsletter. Select all sectors relevant to you.
Related
Heathrow Airport defends controversial airline terminal changes following Virgin and Delta criticism
Heathrow Airport defends controversial airline terminal changes following Virgin and Delta criticism
Starting in 2028, these major UK carriers face terminal separation to unlock stranded capacity.
easyJet sees Apollo takeover accelerating fleet investment and growth
easyJet sees Apollo takeover accelerating fleet investment and growth
Shareholders have approved the £5.7 billion acquisition, with chief executive Kenton Jarvis saying the prospective owner supports the airline’s expansion strategy.
Rapid Fusion installs robotic cell at Kingston University
Rapid Fusion installs robotic cell at Kingston University
With its installation of a Zeus Robotic Cell into the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment at Kingston University, Rapid Fusion has enabled staff and students to print, scan and mill in one solution, teaching students the latest additive manufacturing solutions and helping tackle the real skills gap in the UK for robotics and 3D printing experts.
BAE Systems accelerates delivery of LRASM sensors to Lockheed Martin
BAE Systems accelerates delivery of LRASM sensors to Lockheed Martin
Through strategic investment in modern electronic warfare facilities, BAE Systems has accelerated its production schedule to deliver advanced sensors for Lockheed Martin's Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
Northern Navies Initiative: Royal Navy and JEF allies move to deepen maritime integration
Northern Navies Initiative: Royal Navy and JEF allies move to deepen maritime integration
The Royal Navy and its JEF allies will deepen maritime integration, strengthen deterrence and improve collective responses to new and emerging threats in northern Europe as part of a historic new initiative.
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
Serco acquires QinetiQ’s US business
It was announced today that Serco's acquisition of QinetiQ’s US business has been agreed, substantially expanding the defence capabilities of Serco, whilst strengthening QinetiQ's balance sheet and enabling it to concentrate its resources on the UK, European, NATO and key allied defence and security markets.
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
UK military satellite Titania reaches orbit as MoD trials space-threat sensors
The UK's second ISTARI military satellite, Titania, reaches orbit as trials launch for a three-site sensor network to monitor potential threats to spacecraft.
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Leicester’s National Space Centre Discovery Team wins Sir Arthur Clarke Award
Following delivery of its education and outreach initiatives across the UK to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and space explorers, the National Space Centre's Discovery Team has gained national recognition by winning a prestigious Sir Arthur Clarke Award.
Northern Navies Initiative: Royal Navy and JEF allies move to deepen maritime integration
Northern Navies Initiative: Royal Navy and JEF allies move to deepen maritime integration
The Royal Navy and its JEF allies will deepen maritime integration, strengthen deterrence and improve collective responses to new and emerging threats in northern Europe as part of a historic new initiative.
NCSC launches new adversary simulation scheme to bolster UK cyber resilience
NCSC launches new adversary simulation scheme to bolster UK cyber resilience
The NCSC’s new CyAS scheme aims to strengthen the resilience of the UK’s critical infrastructure through rigorous, realistic cyber adversary simulation testing.
Lord Coaker calls for greater UK resilience against cyberattacks and infrastructure threats
Lord Coaker calls for greater UK resilience against cyberattacks and infrastructure threats
Speaking in a special Remembrance Day podcast, Lord Coaker paid tribute to those who serve while highlighting the need to strengthen UK preparedness against growing security threats.